Ann Demeulemeester is the eponymous fashion house founded in 1985 by Belgian designer Ann Demeulemeester. Known for her sleek silhouettes and dark yet glamorous aesthetic, the designer has become one of the world’s most respected creative voices in the fashion industry. Based in Antwerp, the label offers clothing, shoes, accessories and jewelry for men and women.
“The Ann Demeulemeester brand embodies a shrewd approach to fashion that defies trends and instead offers an ever-evolving clothing system that is deeply personal to the wearer and deeply relevant to the context at hand – thanks to its integrity and strong independence” , describes the label on its own website.
origins
Ann Demeulemeester graduated from the now famous fashion department at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Antwerp in 1981 and soon rose to prominence as part of the Antwerp Six, a group of visionary university graduates that also included Martin Margiela and Dries Van Noten.
Together with her husband, the photographer Patrick Robyn, she founded her eponymous label in 1985 and quickly found international recognition. Her first fashion show took place in Paris in 1991. In 1996, in addition to the women’s collection, she also launched a men’s collection.
evolution
Over time, Ann Demeulemeester managed to build up an internationally successful company with her gothic and bohemian-inspired collections. In 2013, Demeulemeester retired from her label and appointed French designer Sébastien Meunier, who had been part of her design team since 2010, as her successor.
Since parting ways with her brand, Demeulemeester has lived in the small Belgian town of Kessel, experimenting with a variety of new formats including sculpture, tableware, furniture and design.
Current
The Ann Demeulemeester brand has been owned by Italian owner Claudio Antonioli since 2020 and operates three standalone stores in Antwerp, Tokyo and Hong Kong. The highlight is the minimalistic, black and white flagship store in Antwerp. The label also has its own online shop and is represented internationally at the most important retailers and department stores.